Parent Involvement
Get Involved in the Grace Community
Welcome to our Parent Page! Whether you’re a parent or support person for an incoming student or of one of our awesome returning students, this is a HUB that can guide you to find the answers to your questions. At Grace, we often say that we are a family, and we call ourselves the GRACE FAMILY. We hope that you feel part of our family as we continue to live out our mission to Graduate Courageous Ambassadors for Christ Who Make an Eternal Impact Wherever They Go. It’s never been a more important cause than right now at this very time!
Whether you are looking for important academic calendar dates, learning more about our housing, dining and commuting options or looking for that classic Grace Christian sweatshirt, this page will be able to help you to find your answer or be put in touch with whom to ask! Welcome to Grace!
Important Dates
We know how important it is to coordinate calendars! You can always click on our calendar link to see the most updated academic calendar, which informs the entire semester and year!
| Date | Event |
| January 10 | Spring Orientation for new students |
| January 13 | On Campus Classes begin |
| January 20 | MLK Day, no classes |
| January 27 | Last day to drop a course without record |
| February 26-28 | Reading Break, no classes |
| March 10-14 | Spring Break |
| March 18 | Academic Advising Day, no class |
| March 28 | Last day to withdraw from classes |
| April 18 | Good Friday, no classes scheduled |
| April 28-May 2 | Exam Week |
| May 3 | Commencement |
Featured Event
The Big Freeze
Your student can earn thousands this February to immediately reduce their tuition bill in three seconds by taking a dip for a scholarship!
February’s in Grace are synonymous with an epic event called The Big Freeze. Student participants, referred to as the ‘The Blue Crew’, raise money with the help of friends, family, etc. for scholarships that can be applied directly to their student account to help reduce the cost of education. The catch, on event day they must spend three icy seconds in a tub of freezing cold water before they can receive these funds.
Based on their fundraising efforts, students can earn even more additional scholarships from Grace which will also immediately reduce their tuition bill as they pursue their goals in higher education.
Last year sixteen student participants raised over $13,000! Grace matched the first 10 participants to raise $250 with an additional $250. Grace also awarded ten additional scholarships based on the amount of funds raised (higher rank = higher scholarship). The 1st place fundraiser received $1,000, 2nd place $900 and so on. All funds are applied directly to student account balances for their Spring semester.
The Big Freeze is happening again this year. It’s a great way for your student to contribute to the cost of their education, so encourage them to join The Blue Crew!
Housing Choices at Grace
There are a number of housing options available to our students. Freshmen generally find a strong sense of community at Grace by beginning their college journey in the freshmen dorms located in the quad. Upper class students have their choice of campus apartments or the new Grace Townhomes.
All single students enrolled in six or more credit hours are required to room and board at the university, at home with a parent or guardian. Students who have completed four semesters of college (post-high school) are eligible for off-campus housing.
Students are not permitted to live in off-campus housing that is co-ed by unit, though housing is permitted with a sibling of the opposite gender.
On-Campus housing at Grace Christian University provides a variety of living options. Each of the residence halls has its own unique personality and style.
- Standard Housing includes the freshmen dorms; Preston Hall for Men and Aletheia Hall for Women. Each of the dorms has a community lounge and a free laundry facility.
- Apartments on campus—Klein Hall (female) and Enslow Hall (male)—are a Standard Housing option for upperclassmen students. Both include a kitchen area with stove and refrigerator along with a free laundry facility.
- Built in 2022, The Grace Townhomes feature 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen with dishwasher, living room area and laundry facilities in each unit. Each unit houses up to 4 students. Townhomes are another housing option for upperclassmen students.
Meal Plans at Grace
Meals are served on campus for all students living in residence halls, as well as commuter students who have purchased a dining plan. On-campus students can choose from up to six dining options, depending on what residence hall they are living in.
Commuter students can also purchase a meal plan from three different options. Coffee, snacks, and a la carte options are available at Kahawa Café.
Flexible meal plans offer students creative options to accommodate financial needs while providing meals from our wonderful dining hall. Rather than purchasing meals weekly, meal plan cost is per semester (typically a 15-16 week duration). Students purchase a block of meals to use throughout the semester, giving them the convenience to decide when to use those meals.
Traditional undergraduate students commuting to campus may also choose from a variety of meal plans. These plans are also purchased per semester, allowing the option to increase or decrease based on remaining quantity.
Parent Blog
We hope that you find these blogs written by our staff and faculty helpful as you think about how to walk with your students as they make important educational decisions or as you walk with your students through their first years of higher education through to graduation!
Staying Connected with Your College Student
The transition to college can be an emotional shift for parents and students alike. While students are on a journey toward independence, parents often feel left behind, unsure of how to maintain the same level of closeness as before. Staying connected with your...
What Are Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans?
With college tuition costs at an all-time high and still rising, financing a degree can seem overwhelming. Most students turn to loans, and nearly 92% of U.S. student debt is managed by the U.S. Department of Education. Exploring federal loan options can offer a...
Meet Dr. Scott Shaw: A Leader in Education and Student Development
Dr. Scott Shaw is currently serving as the Dean and Professor of Business Innovation & Public Service at Grace Christian University. Dr. Shaw is not your average professor. Starting part-time in 2003 and becoming full-time in 2010, Dr. Shaw has spent over 20...
We won’t compromise the Bible at Grace Christian University
At Grace Christian University, the Bible serves as the foundation for everything we do. Our commitment to God's Word defines us and sets us apart from many institutions drifting from biblical truth. While some colleges may compromise core doctrines or yield to...
Mailing
Mailboxes are provided for each On-Campus student in the foyer to the Student Commons. Mail box numbers and combinations can be found at the Business Office.
Outgoing mail can be deposited in the outgoing mail bin in the business office.
All mail being sent to students should be addressed as follows:
(Student Name)
Grace Christian University
1011 Aldon St. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49509
Health & Medical
You’re students’ health is important to us! We have a great wealth of health options to chose from within the Wyoming and surrounding areas.
- Oak Street Health Primary Care Clinic (1000 28th Street, Wyoming, MI 49509)
- UM Health-West Hospital (5900 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509)
- Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospital – Butterworth (100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
What's your next step?
Get Involved
If you want more information on how to get involved, click the button below to email the Dean of Students, Jim Gamble.